We address here the need for a general strategy to control molecular assembly over multiple length scales. Efficient organic photovoltaics require an active layer comprised of a mesoscale interconnected networks of nanoscale aggregates of semiconductors. We demonstrate a method, using principles of molecular self-assembly and geometric packing, for controlled assembly of semiconductors at the nanoscale and mesoscale. Nanoparticles of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) or [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were fabricated with targeted sizes. Nanoparticles containing a blend of both P3HT and PCBM were also fabricated. The active layer morphology was tuned by the changing particle composition, particle radii, and the ratios of P3HT:PCBM particles. Photovoltaic devices were fabricated from these aqueous nanoparticle dispersions with comparable device performance to typical bulk-heterojunction devices. Our strategy opens a revolutionary pathway to study and tune the active layer morphology systematically while exercising control of the component assembly at multiple length scales.

With metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) now reaching device efficiencies >23%, more emphasis must now shift toward addressing their device stability. Recently, a triarylamine-based organic hole-transport material (HTM) doped with its oxidized salt analogue (EH44/EH44-ox) led to unencapsulated PSCs with high stability in ambient conditions. Here we report criteria for triarylamine-based organic HTMs formulated with stable oxidized salts as hole-transport layer (HTL) for increased PSC thermal stability. The triarylamine-based dopants must contain at least two para-electron-donating groups for radical cation stabilization to prevent impurity formation that leads to reduced PSC performance. The stability of unencapsulated devices prepared using these new HTMs stressed under constant load and illumination far outperforms that of both EH44/EH44-ox and Li+-doped spiro-OMeTAD controls at 50 °C. Furthermore, the ability to mix and match these dopants with a nonidentical small-molecule-based HTL matrix broadens the design scope for highly stable and cost-effective PSCs without sacrificing performance.

For environmentally friendly and cost-effective manufacturing of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, it is highly desirable to replace haloarenes with water as the active layer fabrication solvent. Replacing an organic solvent with water requires retooling the device fabrication steps. The optimization studies were conducted using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C 61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as active layer materials. These materials were dispersed in water as blend and separate nanoparticles using the miniemulsion method. Topologies of the active layers were investigated using atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy techniques. We have identified two essential steps to fabricate efficient OPVs from aqueous dispersions: (1) treatment of the hole-transport layer with UV-O 3 to make the surface hydrophilic and (2) the use of an electron-transporting buffer layer for efficient charge extraction. We have also identified relative humidity and substrate temperature as key fabrication parameters for obtaining uniform active layer films. The OPV devices were fabricated using PEDOT:PSS as the hole-transport layer and PCBM as electron-transport layer with Ca/Al as the counter electrode.Efficiencies of 2.15% with a fill factor over 66% were obtained; the efficiency and the fill-factor is the highest among all aqueous processing of P3HT-PCBM nanoparticle solar cells.

We report on the improved operational stability of unencapsulated perovskite solar cells (PSCs) aged in an ambient atmosphere at elevated temperatures (70 °C) for >1000 h under constant illumination and bias at 30− 50% relative humidity. We identify a previously unseen interfacial degradation mechanism concerning the use of a MoO x interlayer, which was originally added to increase operational stability. Specifically, the hole-transport layer/MoO x interface buckles under illumination at 70 °C, which leads to delamination and rapid losses of short-circuit current density corresponding to an average t 80 of ∼55 h. By judiciously evaluating various hole-transport layers, interlayers, and contacts, we find that replacing the MoO x with a VO x interlayer, regardless of the other components in the solar cell, alleviates this buckling issue due to its higher activation barrier toward crystallization, leading to significant gains in PSC operational stability. Unencapsulated devices aged in an ambient atmosphere with a VO x interlayer retain 71% of their initial PCE on average after constant illumination and bias at 70 °C for 1100 h (t 80 ∼ 645 h). Currently, this is the highest temperature reported for the operational stability of unencapsulated n-i-p PSCs aged in air. Identification of a new facet of the complex degradation mechanisms in PSCs will allow for targeted acceleration testing to speed the deployment of low-cost, long-lasting electricity generation under realistic operating temperatures.

Fabricating macromolecular mesoscale assemblies containing disparate components with targeted molecular order for each of the components on the nanoscale and targeted assembly of the components in the mesoscale is a challenge. In this Perspective, we explore the self-assembly of polymer nanoparticles as a viable route to obtain tunable mesostructured materials. We describe the state-of-the-art methods available for and the challenges to obtain spherical and nonspherical polymer nanoparticles. We discuss the predicted ordered assemblies and disordered assemblies of nanoparticles and the challenges to obtain these assemblies in polymer nanoparticles. We also comment on the rich and future opportunities in the burgeoning field of polymer nanoparticle assemblies.

Charge transport through a semiconducting nanoparticle assembly is demonstrated. The hole mobility of low and high molecular weight and regioreglular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanoparticles is on the order of 2 × 10(-4) to 5 × 10(-4) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) , which is comparable to drop-cast thin films of pristine P3HT. Various methods are employed to understand the nature and importance of the nanoparticle packing.

We report numerical simulation results on hole transport in layers of the organic polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) of different nanostructures based on a deterministic, phenomenological drift-diffusion-reaction model that accounts for hole trapping-detrapping kinetics. The model is used to characterize the various P3HT layers examined in terms of their hole transport dispersivity. The model reproduces well experimental data of photocurrent evolution in P3HT samples ranging from drop cast thin films to surfactant-stabilized nanoparticle assemblies, explains the role of excess surfactant molecules in hole trapping for assemblies of P3HT nanoparticles, and demonstrates quantitatively the potential of using nanoparticle assemblies in organic photovoltaic devices.

Nanoparticle (NP) assemblies are particularly appealing as active layers of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices because their aqueous synthesis reduces the usage of chlorinated solvents and because the nanoparticle size, ratio, and internal structure can be controlled precisely. Understanding quantitatively the effects of active layer nanostructure on charge carrier transport in NP-assembly-based OPV devices is crucial in order to optimize device performance. Toward this end, in this study, we report results of numerical simulations of electron and hole transport in OPV devices with active layers consisting of P3HT:PCBM nanoparticle assemblies based on deterministic charge carrier transport models. The models account for the dynamics of bounded electron−hole pairs and free charge carriers, as well as trapped charge carrier kinetics, self-consistently with the electric field distribution in the device active layer. The models reproduce both transient photocurrents from time-of-flight (TOF) experiments and steady-state photocurrent density−voltage (J−V) device characteristics from experimental measurements under steady illumination. The simulation results provide quantitative interpretations to the active layer nanostructure effects on charge transport and device power conversion efficiency (PCE). The models also predict improved device PCE by introducing proper interlayers between the active layer and the electrodes and controlling the thickness of the active layer.